Bullpups batter UST in UAAP girls’ volley

The National University (NU) Lady Bullpups swept the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Junior Tigresses 29-27, 25-19, 25-22, in Game 1 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 girls’ volleyball finals at the Adamson University Gymnasium in San Marcelino, Manila on Friday.

The Junior Tigresses held a six-point cushion early in the first set, 6-12, but Faith Janine Shirley Nisperos tallied back-to-back attacks to broke the dry spell for NU, 8-12.

Tying the ball game at 13-all, the Lady Bullpups then ignited a 5-0 run from the efforts of Thea Allison Gagate and Mhicaela Gagate.

The blue-and-gold volleybelles broke away from the Junior Tigresses with Gagate scoring from her quick attack, 21-19. But Mary Joyce Abueg and Baby Love Barbon sent their attacks off the block, 21-all.

After four deuces, Erin May Pangilinan then closed the first set with her back-to-back service aces, 29-27.

In the second set, the Lady Bullpups took advantage of UST’s 12 errors. Ejiya Laure sent the ball to the net, followed by a costly reception error from UST, 25-19.

In the third set, Ma. Regina Agatha Mangulabnan and Charlene Rae Bolintiam committed a service and a net error, resulting in the 25-22 win of the Lady Bullpups.

“I told the players, we’re starting all over again. I also told them that our character is based on diligence and hard work so we always keep that in everything that we do here and they can get what they want, especially the third crown. Don’t think of the championship, just do ordinary things extraordinarily and I think everything will go on your way,” said NU head coach Raymund Castillo.

The Lady Bullpups are aiming to clinch their third consecutive title on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the same venue.

“If we are diligent in our past few games here, we will be extra-diligent. We need to adjust our blocks; we need to adjust our serves. Although it’s not as big like before but we need to improve on that. Also, more aggressiveness on our attacks,” Castillo said.